This Congressman Says the House Could Impeach Obama Tomorrow, But Shouldn't

Watch out, Americans! History books could soon be citing birth certificates as reason for presidential impeachment in the near future. At least it could happen, according to Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), who told constituents if the House voted tomorrow they could impeach President Obama. The following video shows the congressman with a small group in the town of Luling, TX:

Growing support has recently gathered from several GOP members on impeaching Obama, but critics aren't exactly sure for what reason. At a town hall meeting last week, the congressman was found on the video saying to constituents that "If we were to impeach the president tomorrow, you could probably get the votes in the House of Representatives to do it. But it would go to the Senate and he wouldn't be convicted." Without any legitimate grounds for impeachment, the Texas congressman is only highlighting the disregard for bipartisanship that has corralled Congress into supporting such distractions.

Despite the release of Obama's birth certificate by the White House, many conservatives still question the validity of the president's citizenship. The supporters of the impeachment claim that Obama's executive orders surrounding gun violence, his failure to defend the Defense of Marriage act, and his questionable birth certificate all warrant impeachment. Yet according to the Constitution, the president can only be impeached if he is found guilty of "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors," none of which President Obama has committed.

Resistance to let go of the topic suggests that many congressmen are incapable of seeing the effects these distractions have on the political process. Drawing on comparisons to the failed impeachment of President Clinton, Farenthold asked constituents "What message do we send to America if we impeach Obama and he gets away with what he's impeached for, is found innocent? What do we say then is okay?" While the congressman mocks his own comparison, the ridiculousness of his own question cannot be ignored. Obama's innocence would only further send the message that Congress is more focused on partisan political games than actually running a country.

Congressmen are known for pouting when they don't get their political way. However, taking political differences all the way to impeachment not only stalls the country, but truly draws into question their own ability to lead. While an impeachment is unlikely to occur with a Democratic Senate, the conversation only further brings Congress away from the issues that are facing the American people.

As an alumni of Oklahoma State University and graduate student of Johns Hopkins University, I'm interested in feminist theory and education reform. I'm a constant gender studies enthusiast and current educator of young minds in Baltimore.